On the 80th anniversary of D-Day, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin spoke from the American Cemetery in Normandy, France, reflecting on the sacrifices made by troops to secure freedom. He highlighted the growing threat of leaders leaning towards autocracy and the importance of preserving democracy.
Austin emphasized the need to remember and be grateful for those who paved the way for the international order that has safeguarded freedom for many years. He stressed the continuous effort required to protect democracy, acknowledging that it is a value worth fighting for.